Cookeville’s annual Tree Lighting brings joy and light to the holiday season. The ceremony begins at 6 p.m. on Dec. 3 at Dogwood Park.
The celebratory event is hosted by Cookeville’s Leisure Service Department and the City of Cookeville, and it is a holiday favorite for local families. The fun and festive atmosphere uplifts the spirits of children and adults alike. When the 40-foot Christmas tree begins to glow, the magic of the season really comes to life!
“Christmas in the Park is a special time for our community to come together and celebrate the Christmas season,” says City Mayor Laurin Wheaton. “My family and I look forward to this night every year!”
The ceremony features musical performances from Jake Hoot, the TTU Trombone Choir, and children’s choirs from Capshaw, Prescott, Cornerstone, Northeast, Cane Creek, Park View, and Burks elementary schools.
Local groups will also give out free cocoa at the Broad Street entrance of the park.
Event speakers include Cookeville Mayor Laurin Wheaton, Director of Leisure Services Rick Woods, and the Cookeville Police Department Chaplains, and Phillip Gibbons.
“This annual tradition embodies so many wonderful aspects of our city,” says City Mayor Wheaton. “I hope you and your family will join us in this tradition whether it’s one you’ve done before or a new one you are starting!”
After the ceremony finishes, the tree will begin a 15-minute light show synchronized to music at 7 p.m. The light show repeats nightly at the top of every hour from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. until the end of Jan 2. The tree’s lights will go dark every night at 10 p.m.
Leisure Services is also working with the Putnam Education Partnership Foundation to host a food drive during the celebration. Event visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate. Donations can be left inside marked barrels placed inside the park.
For more information about the event, call 931-520-4386 or visit the Leisure Services office at 10 E. Broad Street in Cookeville.